SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS
River Cats bring winning tradition to a new season

Raley Field, located on the Sacramento River, has led the PCL in attendance each of the last 11 seasons. photo: Sara Molina/River Cats

When Art Savage purchased the River Cats franchise and brought the team to Sacramento in 2000, not even he could have envisioned the amazing impact his ball club would have on the Capitol region. Over 11 years, the River Cats have won nine division titles, four Pacific Coast League championships and two Triple-A crowns — a standard of excellence unrivaled in professional American sports. As the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A's, the River Cats have seen top prospects pass through Raley Field before becoming MLB stars, players such as Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito, Rookies of the Year Bobby Crosby, Huston Street and Eric Hinske, and All-Stars Trevor Cahill, Nick Swisher and Carlos Gonzalez, not to mention the numerous Sacramento stars who went on to win World Series rings.

Raley Field, located directly across the Tower Bridge from downtown Sacramento, has housed every championship banner, diving catch and rally chant over the past decade. It's no wonder why the River Cats have led all of minor-league baseball in total attendance over the past 11 seasons. Year after year, fans pour through the gates to watch great plays, meet the team's mascot Dinger, enjoy great ballpark food and beverages, and revel in the summer nights with family and friends.

The organization, in return, has immersed itself in the community, creating relationships with schools, businesses and nonprofits. The River Cats Foundation, the organization's nonprofit arm, supports programs and partnerships that empower local youth and families and change lives. The foundation's outreach program promotes education, teamwork and self-esteem through baseball.

New cat in town

Darren Bush, who was named the fourth manager in team history this past offseason, looks to lead Sacramento to a fifth consecutive division title in 2011. Bush is no stranger to the Sacramento area, having started his coaching career with the Yuba-Sutter Gold Sox before later managing the Stockton Ports. Joining Bush in the Capitol City will be pitching coach Scott Emerson and hitting coach Todd Steverson.

Bush, 36, owns a 288-272 managerial record (.514) in four seasons with Oakland's farm system, serving as manager of Single-A Stockton in 2007-08 before managing the A's Double-A Midland (Texas) Rockhounds in 2009 and 2010. A former catcher, Bush spent three seasons in the minor leagues with San Diego (1999-2000) and Philadelphia (2001).

Group packages

Whether you're planning a group outing with co-workers, celebrating a special occasion or just getting together with family and friends, Raley Field is the perfect setting. Group benefits consist of up to 35 percent savings, flexible tickets, all-you-can-eat food options and much more.

U.S. Bank AAA school-day assemblies at River Cats games

The River Cats welcome schools to a select number of River Cats games each season. Pregame programs featuring River Cats players and coaches are held in the seats of Raley Field and focus on the Triple A's: Academics, Attitude and Attendance.

To purchase individual tickets (starting at just $7), visit the Raley Field ticket office or rivercats.com. For information about ticket packages, group rates, individual tickets and everything in between, call 916-371-HITS (4487) or visit rivercats.com.